Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Moines, IA: $40,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 91.7 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,822 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,408) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates in the veterinary technologist and technician field in Des Moines, Iowa, can expect to start their careers with a salary around $40,185, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $50,408. This initial pay can feel discouraging, yet there are opportunities for rapid growth in the early years. Within three to five years, salaries may increase as new professionals gain experience and pursue further credentials. With a projected growth rate of 5.50%, coupled with Des Moines' affordable cost of living index of 91.701, there appears to be a supportive environment for entry-level employees to establish their careers and move towards the median earnings level.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Des Moines, IA typically start between $40,185 and $41,029 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,438 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,408 — 0.84% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 49.77% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($40,185/year) in Des Moines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $40,185 to $41,029, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Des Moines is $12,438 ( 30.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,623.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,150
2025 BLS Actual
$38,090
2026 Current Est.
$40,185
2019–2027 Growth
+62.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,395 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 45.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,150 in 2019 to $38,090 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,395. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Des Moines
In Des Moines, numerous employers actively seek to hire new graduates, with general practice clinics being the primary avenue for beginners. These environments provide essential on-the-job training, while corporate animal hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often offer structured mentorship programs and enticing sign-on bonuses to attract talent. To enhance their earning potential, aspiring veterinary professionals should consider obtaining credentials such as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), and securing state licensure. Moreover, pursuing advanced credentials through the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) pathway can unlock top-tier pay, positioning technicians to command hourly wages that exceed $30 to $45. With the acute workforce shortage in veterinary technology and the significant pay increases of 25-40% experienced across many markets in recent years, the prospects for significant salary growth within the first three years remain promising for those entering the field in Des Moines.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Des Moines?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Des Moines?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov